Bolt was given a medical exemption by Jamaican officials to compete at the Rio Games after he pulled a hamstring during the Olympic trials and Gatlin wasted little opportunity in trying to get under the 29-year-old’s skin.
Gatlin said the six-time Olympic gold medallist had been given ‘a medical pass’ to compete and Bolt said that had only served to fuel his desire to shut the American up by proving himself on the track.
“Yes definitely, I think they have not learned over the years that the more you talk, the more I will want to beat you,” Bolt told Reuters in Rio. “It’s one of those things, but I’m looking forward to it, should be exciting and they will feel my full wrath as always.”
Bolt, who returned to action in the 200 metres at last month’s Diamond League meeting in London, said he felt he was in better shape ahead of the opening race of his programme on August 13 – the 100 metres – than he was for last year’s world championships in Beijing.
“I’m feeling much more confident now,” he added. “I’m much more comfortable with where I’m at. “I never try to predict times, because you never know what will happen.
But for me the shape I’m in, I’ll say I’m in much better shape, so I think 9.6 seconds definitely.”
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